how to make forks for a tractor bucket

Forks are a must-have attachment for tractor buckets. They enable farmers to move pallets, hay bales, and other heavy materials with ease. Buying forks for a tractor bucket can be expensive, so making your own can be a cost-effective solution. In this article, we will guide you on how to make your own forks for a tractor bucket.

Materials Needed

Before getting started with making forks for your tractor bucket, you need to ensure you have the right equipment. Here are the materials that you will need:- Two pieces of rectangular tubing, 2x4 inches, 3/16 inches thick, and 48 inches long.- Two pieces of square tubing, 2x2 inches, 3/16 inches thick, and 24 inches long.- Four pieces of angle iron, 2x2 inches, 3/16 inches thick, and 8 inches long.- A welder- A cutting torch or a saw- A tape measure- A marker pen

Preparing the Materials

Start by measuring and marking the rectangular tubing halfway using a marker pen and tape measure. Cut each tube to the desired length using either a cutting torch or saw. Once cut, ensure that you grind any rough edges to create a smooth surface.Next, cut the four pieces of angle iron to the desired length of eight inches. The angle iron will serve as the base for the forks. Weld these to the bottom of the rectangular tubes using the welder. Repeat the process for the second tube.Once done, cut the two square tubes to the desired length of 24 inches. These will be the fork tines. Weld each square tube to the rectangular tube at a distance of 24 inches apart. You can use a clamp to hold the square tube in place while welding.

Making the Attachment

After welding the fork tines to the rectangular tubes, you will need to create an attachment that will secure the forks to the tractor bucket. To do so, cut two pieces of rectangular tubing, 2x4 inches, 3/16 inches thick, and 6 inches long. Weld these pieces to the back of the fork tines, leaving 2 inches at the end to create a hook. Next, take the two pieces of square tubing, 2x2 inches, and 6 inches long. Weld them to the rectangular tubing you've attached to the fork tines. These will serve as the latch or locking mechanism that will hold the forks in place on the tractor bucket.

Finalizing the Forks

Now that you have finished welding all the necessary parts, it is time to clear any rough edges and give the forks a smooth finish. You can use a grinder to do this. Once you've finished, test the forks by attaching them to your tractor bucket.In conclusion, making forks for your tractor bucket is a simple and cost-effective solution compared to buying them from a store. The process outlined in this article, from sourcing the materials to the final touches, is straightforward and easy to follow. With these homemade forks, you can now easily lift and move heavy materials on your farm.